Writing a Résumé
Every worker should have an up to date résumé to market skills to potential employers. The information below can help write a successful and land your next job.
General Résumé Writing Guidelines
- Your résumé should be 1 or 2 pages long.
- Work on a computer. The computer will set margins and spacing for you. Use 10-12 point font size.
- Your résumé should be free of errors.
- Use white, beige or gray bonded paper. Your envelope and cover letter paper should match your résumé paper.
- Use skills statements with examples to show you are qualified for the job.
- Describe your skills accurately.
- Use work experience, volunteer experience, commendations and awards, formal training, education, internships, licenses or certifications to document your skills.
- Have a separate reference sheet.
Content and Organization
Your résumé needs to include your skills and work experience. There are a number of ways to organize that information and we've highlighted two of the most popular styles here.
Functional Skills-based Résumé
Functional résumés (also called skills-based
résumés) focus on the skills you have that apply to the job you are seeking.
This style is best for:
- People who want to change careers;
- People with have academic or technical training, but little or no work history; and
- People who are returning to the workforce or who have held many different jobs.
Get started writing a functional skills-based résumé |
Chronological Résumé
Chronological résumés list your work history from your current or most recent job back to your first job. This style highlights continued growth in a particular field.
This style is best for:
- People who are seeking work in their current field; and
- People seeking promotions or a position with more responsiblity.
Get started writing a chronological résumé |
Need More Help?
Your CareerCenter can help you write an eye-catching résumé and get your name out there to potential employers. Services include:
- Use of computers, software and fax machines résumés;
- Résumé paper, envelopes and stamps for you to use; and
- Help posting your résumé online and emailing potential employers.
No appointment is needed to use the CareerCenter and all services are no charge to jobseekers. For more information, contact your local CareerCenter office.
